If you have already had chickenpox, you have developed an immunity to it and are very unlikely to get it a second time. However, since the chickenpox virus remains in the body, hiding in spinal nerve cells, some adults will develop a localized recurrence of chickenpox known has herpes zoster or “
shingles
”.

Chickenpox Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine, a series of two injections, is routinely given to children at ages:

12-15 months

4-6 years

Children who have not been vaccinated and have not been exposed to chickenpox can also receive the series.

In addition, the vaccine should be given to adults who do not have immunity to chickenpox. Talk to your doctor, though, because if you have certain conditions, you will not be able to have this vaccine.

The vaccine can also reduce your risk of infection if given within three days of exposure to chicken pox.

Immune Globulin

If you are unable to receive the varicella vaccine because you are at high risk, if exposed to chickenpox, you might be able to receive immune globulin. Immune globulin is a blood product that contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus.

For prevention, immune globulin is given by injection immediately after exposure to the VZV virus (within 96 hours).
It is usually only given to people who are at unusually high risk for severe complications from the disease. These may include:

Adults including pregnant women

Newborns whose mothers have chickenpox

People who are immunosuppressed or very ill

Preventing the Spread of Chickenpox

If someone in your household gets chickenpox, you can prevent it from spreading by:

Keeping them isolated until the disease runs its course and all blisters have crusted over

Informing others (including parents of other children) who have been in recent contact with your child that they may have been exposed to chickenpox

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.